A few pre-wild card notes

ARLINGTON, Texas - It took 15 years for the Orioles to get back into the postseason, and they’re facing a team that’s beaten them 10 of their last 12 games and outscored them, 102-36. But nothing seems to faze them, so what’s another challenge?

Besides, maybe the tide is due to turn.

The Orioles hit .120 (11-for-92) in the Tampa Bay series. That probably won’t be good enough tonight. However, they posted a 2.16 ERA and the starters only gave up four earned runs in 18 innings.

Cal Ripken Jr. is here as part of the TBS crew, signing autographs for fans who spotted him in the booth. It pays to arrive early.

Eleven Orioles have postseason experience, led by Jim Thome, who has appeared in 67 games. The others have combined for 58.

Seven Orioles on the wild card roster were once Rangers: Chavez, Hunter, O’Day, Chris Davis, Omar Quintanilla, Pedro Strop and Taylor Teagarden. Koji Uehara is the only Ranger who played for the Orioles.

Since Aug. 1, the Orioles have the best winning percentage in baseball at .655 (38-20), just ahead of the Giants (.644, 38-21). Of course, everyone in the playoffs is 0-0 right now.